Barcelona (90k) -
probably one of the most famous of all European cities, the capital of both modern and ancient Catalunya successfully combines culture, art and design as the primary fabric of its modern day infrastructure. There is so much to see and absorb but visits to the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Picasso Museum, La Sagrada Famila, Guell Park, the Rambles and the Olympic Port and Aquarium, where at the Mirador de Colon you will be able to view the city in all its magnificence, are essential to understanding not just the ethos of Barcelona but also the pulsing heart of Spain.

Begur (18k) -
a small picturesque town renowned for its steep, narrow streets and attractive beaches. The Cape of Begur is a magnificent and rocky coastline that features the spectacular coves of Sa Riera, Aiguafreda, Sa Tuna and Aiguablava.

Cadaques (70k) -
a quiet fishing village at the end of the Rhodes mountain range. Just to the north lies the bay of Portlligat where Salvador Dali lived and through his influence it has attracted artists and intellectuals alike, including Picasso, Man Ray and Max Ernst. Now an area where many artists, writers and sculptors either live or meet regularly, Cadaques also features a XVI century church, the Municipal Museum of Art, the Perrot-Morre European Graphic Art Museum and at the House-Museum, Dali's refurbished residence and workshop.

Empuries (45k) -
2k north of the fishing village of L'Escala and 500 years before the birth of Christ, the Greeks founded a walled settlement here. A museum displays the many artefacts discovered as well as scaled impressions of some of the original buildings.

Figueras (50k) -
famous for the world-renowned Dali Museum. The permanent Theatre-Museum houses a large part of Dali's work covering his entire productive life. In addition there are also works by Velazquez and El Greco.

Girona (45k) -
a beautiful, medieval cathedral town, on the banks of the Riu Onyar, with pretty winding streets, vibrant facades and picturesque pedestrian bridges. Visit the Old Town with its arcaded walks and street cafes and then after a short walk you are in the middle of the Jewish quarter where the Arab baths are still in working order.

La Bisbal d'Emporada (45k) -
prominent eighteenth century ceramic and pottery centre on the river Daro. Nearby, Peratallada is one of the most beautiful medieval towns in Catelonia. Still protected by walls, towers and gateways the town is dominated by its impressive castle.

Catella de Palafrugell (10k) -
This is the first of three excellent beaches - the others are Liafranc and Tamaru (which are close-by) - all overlooked by probably the finest scenery in the region. Alively town, with a fresh produce market, also gives access to the delightful fishing village of Calella with its quiet beach and capricious rock formations. Check out the many rural properties, some fortified, in the area that are typical of the traditional Baix Emporda residence

Palamos (3k) -
Important fishing centre with supermarkets, banks, bars & restaurants and many colourful festivals throughout the season. In the 18th century Palamos, along with Sant Feliu, became an important coastal town, its wealth being derived from cork production and, of course, fishing - the product of which is still auctioned off in the auction hall (lonja). With its long beach, the weekly market, the Cau Museum of the Costa Brava, the 14th century gothic church of Santa Maria, and the marina that doubles as a water sports centre, Palamos richly deserves its reputation as one of the areas main coastal attractions.

Pals (20k) -
High on a hill - so definitely a no go area for those with high blood pressures - with stunning views towards the Mediterranean, Pals boasts the fine parish church of Sante Pere - full of tourists who didn't make the hill - with its impressive gothic and Roman features. For sun lovers, the immediate coastline (Playa de Pals) offers a deep swathe of sand-kissed beach, with all the usual, token tourist attractions.

Platja d'Aro (10k) -
very large modern shopping area and bubbling nightlife with more restaurants than any other location in northern Spain.

Sant Feliu de Guixols (15k) -
three towers remain, of the original ten, that were built by the Benedictine monks in the 10th century, ostensibly, to protect the coastline from marauding pirates, but with seven towers missing you could hardly say they were successful. More recently the town has evolved into a thriving port with good general facilities for tourists and travellers, and hoards of monks selling fragments of, so called, 10th century remains. Along the delightful promenade, the contemporary buildings of the Casino dels Nois and Can Patxot stand out and there's also a museum with archaeological objects and ceramics.

Tossa (35k) -
even several days spent here is still not enough to appreciate the breadth of culture that medieval Tossa offers the discerning visitor. The old village, enclosed by defensive towers and embattlements, with its parish church and museum rests peacefully aside the modern and cosmopolitan centre.

Ullastret (25k) -
essentially an excavation site that has provided a wealth of rare objects and 5th and 4th BC Iberian settlement foundations. A museum, in a local church, informs the visitor and displays the principal collection that has been gathered since this important dig commenced in1935.